Why Eating Less to Lose Weight Can Backfire
Margaret Brennan, PhD Margaret Brennan, PhD

Why Eating Less to Lose Weight Can Backfire

Many people are told that eating less is the key to weight loss, but the body responds to under-eating with powerful adaptations that can slow metabolism, intensify hunger, and make eating feel difficult to regulate. This article explores the science behind these responses and explains why restrictive dieting is often unsustainable, offering a compassionate perspective on understanding and working with your body.

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Mindful Self-Investigation: Connect with Your Emotions Without Feeling Overwhelmed
Margaret Brennan, PhD Margaret Brennan, PhD

Mindful Self-Investigation: Connect with Your Emotions Without Feeling Overwhelmed

Mindful self-investigation is a practice that helps you explore emotions with curiosity and clarity, allowing feelings to be fully experienced without becoming overwhelming. By observing sensations, thoughts, and the awareness behind them, you can create space for emotions, build resilience, and respond with greater balance and insight.

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Polyvagal Theory and Trauma: Understanding What’s Happening in Your Nervous System
Margaret Brennan, PhD Margaret Brennan, PhD

Polyvagal Theory and Trauma: Understanding What’s Happening in Your Nervous System

Trauma can leave your nervous system feeling stuck in anxiety, shutdown, or disconnection — even when you know you’re safe. This blog explores Polyvagal Theory and how understanding your body’s stress responses can reduce shame, build regulation, and support healing at Being and Becoming Counselling and Wellness Services in Burnaby, BC.

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How Diet Culture Fuels Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders
Margaret Brennan, PhD Margaret Brennan, PhD

How Diet Culture Fuels Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders

Diet culture teaches us to equate worth with weight, glorify restriction, and moralize food, creating fertile ground for disordered eating and eating disorders. This post explores how these cultural messages shape thoughts, behaviours, and body trust — and how a non-diet, HAES® approach can support healing and self-compassion.

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Why Eating Disorder Recovery Can Feel So Scary (Even When You Want It)
Margaret Brennan, PhD Margaret Brennan, PhD

Why Eating Disorder Recovery Can Feel So Scary (Even When You Want It)

Eating disorder recovery can feel overwhelming and scary, even when you deeply want to heal. This blog explores why fear is a normal part of the process and how specialized support, like the counselling services at Being and Becoming Counselling and Wellness Services in Burnaby, BC, can help you take recovery one step at a time.

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Eating Disorders Don’t Have a “Look”
Margaret Brennan, PhD Margaret Brennan, PhD

Eating Disorders Don’t Have a “Look”

Eating disorders don’t have a “look” and can affect people of all body sizes, ages, and backgrounds. Compassionate support and early intervention are crucial for anyone struggling, regardless of how they appear on the outside.

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How to Support Someone With an Eating Disorder (Without Saying the Wrong Thing)
Margaret Brennan, PhD Margaret Brennan, PhD

How to Support Someone With an Eating Disorder (Without Saying the Wrong Thing)

Supporting someone with an eating disorder can be challenging, but the right words and approach can make a meaningful difference. This guide from Being and Becoming Counselling Services in Burnaby offers practical tips on how to show care, listen effectively, and encourage professional support without causing harm

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